Halloween means different things to different people.  For some, it’s one day out of the year where they are given the opportunity to dress up as their role model or someone that inspires them and take on a different persona.  For others, Halloween gives them the freedom to express aspects of themselves, free from social norms and judgment that they have been afraid to show. It’s the one day some people feel like it’s OK to be different when in reality, it has always been OK to be different and to be your true authentic self in a world that’s in my opinion, different, unique, and a bit crazy anyways.  For me, I think of Halloween as a day where it allows all of us to be kids once again where creativity flows and life is just fun, curious, and playful like it should be all the time.  Remember what it was like to be a kid? What did that feel like? And, how does that relate to your home?  Well, how you feel inside translates to your physical space whether it’s your home or office environment.  Since Halloween is one day out of the year where people feel empowered to be anyone they want to be, why not take that confidence and trick or treat yourself to a home refresh? Here are 5 tips for updating your home on a small or large scale this Halloween.

Moss Yaw Design Studio 

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Today, we’ll be talking about 2019 interior design trends.  Some interior design trends tend to carry over from the previous year with a few new additions. Navy and metals have been popular for quite a few years now and will continue to be in style.  Trends from last year such as all black kitchens, curved furniture, natural elements (wood & plants), blush, velvet, and metals continue on into 2019.   What’s different this year is that we’ll see large scale bold patterned backsplashes, artisanal pieces, a focus on sustainability, art deco influences, and floral wallpaper & fabric.  Check out a few 2019 design trends we’ll see interior designers incorporate in their projects that have already been showcased at the Las Vegas Market this year! As for me, I’d like to incorporate bold kitchen backsplashes and Art Deco pieces into my design projects this year.  First, I have to convince my clients to take that risk as the trend for most people is sticking to neutral colors, furnishings, and materials!

Casa Decor

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Holidays are a time when family and guests come together to converse, eat, drink, and be merry.  Having a beautiful tablescape is a great way to show everyone your personality, who you have become since the past year, and just being joyful with your family during the holiday season. You can keep it simple with plain white dinnerware place settings with a splash of color on your table runner, or you can get creative and create a unique name card holder with a centerpiece that will wow your family and friends.  However you decide to create your table setting, it will be about showing the people you care about your authentic self.  Check out some Christmas tablescape and centerpiece ideas below to inspire you.

Bottlebrush Trees

I love this tablescape with colorful bottlebrush trees in various sizes and colors.  You don’t have to stick to just Christmas colors.  Use any colors you like (such as Living Coral, Pantone’s 2019 color of the year) and place them in clusters at tables, mantels, and buffets for a modern twist to the traditional decor. Plus, it’s simple and easy to incorporate without breaking your budget.

Pinterest

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Summer has arrived and it’s time to think about how to spruce up your outdoor decor.  Whether it’s replacing old furniture, bringing in more color, gardening, or adding landscape lights, it’s a perfect time to start.  But, what if you don’t have a backyard or a patio?  Not everyone lives in a home that has a backyard or patio. For those of you who don’t have the luxury of having an outdoor space to entertain family or friends or enjoy the benefit of lounging outside to admire the beautiful landscape, you can still bring the decor and fun indoors.  You can transform your interior space into an outdoor oasis full of colors, nature, texture, and light. Here are some ideas to bring sound, sight, touch, and smell of the outdoor experience into your very own living space!

Fragrant Flowers & Plants

What’s better than coming home to a relaxing, beautiful, and fragrant home as if you just stepped out in nature?  Surround yourself with flowers, plants, succulents, bonsai trees, or cacti and watch your home transform into a lovely garden. Plus, indoor plants are very beneficial and a positive force. They are living organisms that remove pollutants from the air by absorbing gases (such as carbon dioxide) through their leaves and roots. Perhaps that is why when most people take a walk outside or go hiking, it feels so calming and soothing to the soul and instantly lifts the spirit.

fenton&fenton

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Most homeowners in San Francisco tend to stick to neutral colors because it’s a trend right now and they don’t want splashes of striking colors or use of bold patterns in their space. So, to liven up the design projects I work on and keep it interesting, I try to introduce encaustic or cement tiles to my clients.  Encaustic and cement tile is popping up everywhere and becoming a trendy addition to interior and exterior spaces based on it’s unique artistry and customizable design.  It’s a creative way to include patterns and natural colors that convey something completely different than ceramic tile or other kinds of materials – you get a Mediterranean vibe.  What exactly is encaustic or cement tile?  A lot of people call it encaustic cement tile as if it’s one and the same, but they are very different.  The name gets confused by everyone even by tile manufactures and tile vendors. Both tiles are un-glazed, but there are very important differences. The main difference between cement tiles and encaustic tiles are the materials that are used and the production process each goes through.  

James M. Davie Design, Inc.

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There’s something so calming yet mystical about butterflies.  They symbolize powerful transformation that leads to spiritual growth and joy.  To me, butterflies represent the” beauty” and “good” in a world of chaos and suffering.   These whimsical creatures have mesmerized so many people, including myself that I had to incorporate a butterfly into my logo to illustrate not only transformation of physical spaces, but also inner transformation of one’s soul. From furniture to carpets and accessories, designers have long been fascinated by these magical creatures.  Butterflies bring lots of vibrant colors and happiness with them, while taking wing and setting the hearts of the design world aflutter with their grace and charm.  Watching them dance as they flutter from flower to flower is truly breathtaking and inspiring.  Butterfly decorations are no longer just designated to kids’ rooms.  It’s become a popular design trend that is celebrated in a variety of spaces with sophisticated accents.  It makes the perfect statement in your home or office that are great conversation pieces.  Check out some ways that you can incorporate butterflies to create a soothing and calming sanctuary!

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